Deputy PM and Defence Minister Tea Banh (left) inspects a military exercise in Kampong Speu province. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are ready to defend the Kingdom’s Constitution if the opposition holds illegal protests. Speaking in Phnom Penh on Thursday, Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister declared that a nationwide demonstration or big rallies in Phnom Penh must obey the law.

He warned of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP)’s sabotage scheme against the Constitution, stressing that all forces are ready to carry out their missions.

On September 25, Sam Rainsy, CNRP President and the opposition leader, announced a possible nationwide demonstration against the new government of Prime Minister Hun Sen, but following a CNRP senior officials’ meeting on Thursday, the CNRP leader said his party will seek to resume talks with the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, referring to the possibility of taking seats in the fifth Parliament.

After the Cambodian Parliament convened on Monday, the Prime Minister said the door remains open to the opposition party to resume negotiations. Analysts said the CNRP’s change of view is a good sign.